Page 95 of The Duke and Lady Scandal
Helen proceeded to dust the mantel, which she well knew Mrs. Pratt had likely attended to this week. “You know it’s what you’re doing. Or at least you would know without whiskey.”
Suddenly, she spun to face him. Anger fueled her now. He could feel it.
“I cannot believe this is the vice you choose, knowing our history with it.”
“Maybe it’s the vice I turn tobecauseI do know our history.”
“Benedict, you cannot solve this case if you’re drunk.”
He dragged a hand across the thick stubble on his face. “That is a good point.”
“So this is because you’ve cut yourself off from Miss Prince, is it?”
“It was the right thing to do.”
She rolled her eyes. He hadn’t seen Helen roll her eyes since she was ten years old. “And why are you so bent on believing you’ll lead that lady to destruction?”
The warm alcohol haze had entirely worn off now, and exhaustion swept in, but this answer was easiest.
“Because I have nothing to offer. I work all hours of the night. I deal with the most vile of creatures. And at the end of the day, what do I have left?” He spread his arms, lifted his hands. “Does she not deserve more than this?”
Helen assessed him grimly. “Thisis not what you’re usually like at the end of the day. You’re not a man prone to feeling sorry for himself on your best days.”
He closed his eyes. This battle had been fought and won. He didn’t have the strength to fight it out with Helen too.
“You do love her, don’t you?”
The question came softly and hurt all the more for her tender tone.
His logic dredged up a reply. “I’ve known her little more than a week.”
“And what does that matter? Love is not measured in length of acquaintance.”
Ben opened his eyes again. The room spun a bit, but then came into focus.
Helen wore a fierce expression. “You should get some sleep.”
He glanced at the table where he’d scribbled a few notes about the case before succumbing to whiskey’s siren call.
“I have work to do.”
“Sleep first or you won’t be fit for work.”
Ben felt a smile crack the tired lines of his face. “You’ll make a fine doctor one day.”
“Yes, I know I will. And may I boss you about a bit more?”
A rusty chuckle burst out of him. “You wouldn’t be you unless you did.”
“I shall take that as a compliment.” She sniffed imperiously, then closed the distance between them. “Heed me, brother. I say this from my heart, and you know that’s rare.”
He stilled and drew in a long breath.
“Because of Miss Prince, I have seen you happy. Lighter. More yourself than you have been in years. She brings you joy, and I suspect you do the same for her.”
“I don’t know if that’s true.”
“You weren’t always this grim-faced man, Ben. You are also kind and caring and generous.”
